Suicidal behavior among farmers in the semiarid Northeast region: a case-control study.

Introduction: Suicidal behavior is a complex, multifactorial phenomenon resulting from the interaction of philosophical, psychological, biological, and social factors. Agriculture is an occupation in which individuals are particularly vulnerable to mental distress and suicidal behavior. Objectives: To analyze factors associated with suicidal behavior among farmers living in the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil. Methods: This case-control study was conducted between 2019 and 2020 with 450 farmers from the city of Caicó, Rio Grande do Norte. The final sample included 62 cases and 288 controls. Suicidal behavior was assessed using the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation. Associations were analyzed with sociodemographic, health, income, work, and alcohol abuse variables. Results: A significant positive association was observed between suicidal behavior and having a family history of mental disorder (odds ratio = 2.76), having a common mental disorder (odds ratio = 4.25), having previously received mental health treatment (odds ratio = 2.36), performing wage or temporary work (odds ratio = 3.49), and having experienced pesticide poisoning (odds ratio = 4.94). Conclusions: Work conditions, mental health factors, and pesticide poisoning are associated with suicidal behavior among farmers in the semiarid region.